&w=3840&q=100)
Amarnath Yatra: 2nd batch of devotees leave Pahalgam, praise arrangement
ANI General News
The second batch of devotees departed from Pahalgam for the Amarnath Yatra on Friday morning. Amid the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack, devotees lauded the arrangements and said there is nothing to be afraid of.
"I am from Noida, and we are a group of 13 people. This is my first time. I am very excited. The arrangements are very good. There is nothing to be afraid of," pilgrim Manoj Singh told ANI.
Devotee Disha Chavda said that she will pray for peace in the country.
Speaking to ANI, she said, "We will pray for everyone's peace and prosperity. The arrangements are excellent. I will pray for my country that there is peace everywhere. I am very excited for Baba's darshan."
Meanwhile, the first batch of pilgrims chanted bhajans and performed the Aarti of Lord Shiva as they reached the Holy Amarnath Cave. The first batch had begun their trek towards the Holy Cave of Amarnath from the Baltal base camp on Thursday morning. Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje was also a part of this batch of pilgrims.
Security in the whole Jammu region has been massively heightened for the Amarnath Yatra, following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack. Over 50,000 personnel, including those from the CRPF, Army, and Police, have been deployed, along with continuous monitoring through CCTV, drones, jammers, and facial recognition technology, along the route.
Proper arrangements have been made for medical teams, air ambulances, and emergency evacuation plans to ensure maximum safety during the pilgrimage.
The Amarnath Yatra, which began on Thursday, is being conducted through the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The Jammu-Srinagar Highway is a key route for the thousands of pilgrims heading to the Holy Cave of Amarnath.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Over 26,800 perform Amarnath Yatra in 2 days, another batch of 6,979 leave for Valley
Another batch of 6,979 Yatris left Jammu on Saturday for Kashmir amid tight security arrangements to perform pilgrimage to the Amarnath shrine as more than 26,800 pilgrims had 'Darshan' during the last two days, officials said. The officials added that more than 26,800 pilgrims had 'darshan' inside the holy cave shrine cave during the last two days since the 38-day-long Amarnath Yatra started on July 3. "Another batch of 6,979 pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatra Niwas in the morning in two escorted convoys of 312 vehicles for the Valley." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scientists: Tinnitus? When tinnitus won't go away, do this (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo "Of these, 2,753 are going to Baltal base camp while 4,226 pilgrims are going to Nunwan (Pahalgam base camp)," officials added. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, inaugurated a Yatri Niwas in Baltal base camp on Friday. Live Events The complex includes a disaster management centre. Part of the ONGC 's corporate social responsibility (CSR) project, Baltal Yatri Niwas has become functional while those in Bijbehara, Nunwan (Pahalgam) and Sidhra in Jammu are nearing completion. These locations feature dormitories, sewage treatment plants, and other essential utilities. The Sidhra site (8,500 square metres), designed as a sustainable G+5 structure equipped with solar panels, is expected to be operational by September 2026. Collectively, these projects, covering over 30,955 square metres, will provide safer and more comfortable facilities for the people. Authorities have left no stone unturned in providing a multi-tier cover to this year's Amarnath Yatra, as this takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them on the basis of faith in Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam. An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Sashastra Seema Bal, and the local police. All the transit camps en route to the two base camps and the entire route from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to the cave shrine are secured by the security forces. Locals have extended complete cooperation to this year's Amarnath Yatra as they have always done in the past. To send out a powerful signal that Kashmiris were deeply shocked by the Pahalgam terror attack, locals were the first to welcome the first batch of Yatris with garlands and placards as the pilgrims crossed the Navyug Tunnel to enter the Valley at Qazigund. This year, the Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those using the Pahalgam route have to pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot. This trek takes a pilgrim four days to reach the cave shrine. Those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after performing the Yatra. For security reasons, no helicopter services are available to the Yatris this year. The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. Shri Amarnath ji Yatra is one of the holiest religious pilgrimages for the devotees, as legend says Lord Shiva narrated the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati inside this cave. Two pigeons accidentally happened to be inside the cave when the eternal secrets were being narrated by Lord Shiva. Traditionally, even to this day, a pair of mountain pigeons flies out of the cave shrine when the annual Yatra begins.
India.com
an hour ago
- India.com
Amarnath Yatra 2025: Over 26,800 Devotees Complete Journey In 2 Days, Fresh Batch Of 6,979 Leaves For Kashmir
New Delhi: The annual Amarnath Yatra continues with strong momentum as over 26,800 pilgrims have had 'darshan' at the holy cave shrine in the last two days, officials confirmed on Saturday. A fresh batch of 6,979 yatris departed from Jammu this morning for the Kashmir Valley, heading toward the sacred Amarnath shrine, which is located at an altitude of 3,888 metres in the Himalayas. The 38-day-long pilgrimage, which began on July 3, has seen a high turnout of devotees in its initial days. This year's yatra concludes on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. Officials said the new group of pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys consisting of 312 vehicles. 'Another batch of 6,979 pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in the morning in two escorted convoys of 312 vehicles for the Valley,' they said. Among them, 2,753 pilgrims are en route to the Baltal base camp, while the remaining 4,226 pilgrims are heading to Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam, a traditional route for the yatra. In a move to enhance facilities for the yatris, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated a new Yatri Niwas at the Baltal base camp on Friday. The newly inaugurated complex includes a disaster management centre and is part of a broader initiative to upgrade pilgrim infrastructure under the ONGC's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project. While the Baltal Yatri Niwas has already become operational, similar facilities are nearing completion at Bijbehara, Nunwan (Pahalgam), and Sidhra (Jammu). These yatri shelters are equipped with dormitories, sewage treatment plants, and essential utilities to improve the comfort and safety of pilgrims. The Sidhra facility, built over 8,500 square metres, is being developed as a sustainable five-storey (G+5) structure featuring solar panels and is expected to be fully operational by September 2026. Collectively, the infrastructure upgrade will span 30,955 square metres, enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience. Heightened Security Following Terror Attack This year's yatra is being conducted under unprecedented multi-layered security, following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, where Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after allegedly segregating them based on their religion at Baisaran meadow. In response to the attack, security measures have been significantly intensified. An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) have been deployed to reinforce the presence of the Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and local police forces. 'All transit camps en route to the two base camps, and the entire stretch from Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu to the cave shrine, are secured by layered security arrangements,' officials said. Locals Welcome Pilgrims to Valley In a heartfelt gesture, local Kashmiris welcomed the first batch of pilgrims as they crossed into the Valley through the Navyug Tunnel at Qazigund. Holding garlands and placards, they greeted the yatris, symbolically expressing solidarity and condemning the earlier terror attack. To many, this act of unity sent a strong message that the people of Kashmir stand in support of the pilgrimage and reject terrorism. Officials noted that the local population has extended full cooperation, as they have traditionally done in previous years, to ensure the yatra proceeds peacefully and smoothly. Routes and Traditions The Amarnath cave shrine, located in the Kashmir Himalayas, is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for devotees of Lord Shiva. The shrine houses a naturally formed ice stalagmite, believed to symbolise Lord Shiva and his divine powers. Pilgrims believe that the structure waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon. According to legend, Lord Shiva narrated the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Mata Parvati inside this very cave. It is also said that two mountain pigeons overheard the divine conversation and have since become part of the legend. Even today, pilgrims often report seeing a pair of pigeons flying out of the cave when the yatra begins — a phenomenon considered a divine sign. Pilgrims can reach the shrine via two routes: The Pahalgam route, which is the traditional path, covers 46 km through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, and typically takes four days on foot. The Baltal route, which is shorter at 14 km, allows pilgrims to complete the trek to the shrine and return on the same day. This year, for security reasons, helicopter services have not been made available to yatris. With more pilgrims arriving daily and improved infrastructure and security in place, the Amarnath Yatra 2025 is set to continue as a major spiritual and cultural event, drawing devotees from across India despite the challenges. Authorities remain on high alert to ensure the safe and successful completion of the yatra for all.
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
Uttarakhand CM Dhami urges Centre to formulate separate aviation policy for mountain states
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], July 5 (ANI): Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Civil Aviation Conference-2025 organised in Dehradun on Friday. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and Civil Aviation Ministers of North India also attended the conference. Chief Minister said that this conference is a testimony to the historic progress made in the civil aviation sector of the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that by connecting small cities and remote areas with air connectivity through the Udan scheme, not only has air travel become accessible to the common citizens, but the local economy has also been strengthened. The Chief Minister said that currently 18 heliports are being developed in Uttarakhand, out of which services have started at 12. He said that heli services have become not only a means of transport in hilly states like Uttarakhand, but have also become a lifeline. 'Be it disaster management, health services or pilgrimage, helicopter services have provided unprecedented convenience in these areas'. Chief Minister Dhami urged the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to formulate a separate 'Mountain Aviation Policy' for mountain states, which should include provisions such as special financial assistance, subsidy for operations, suitable ATC network for mountain areas, accurate weather forecast, slotting and pre-disaster preparation. The Chief Minister also requested all operators to provide special pilot training for mountain flights, strict adherence to safety standards and ensure the safety of passengers. Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced that the government is working on a plan towards the expansion of airports and helipads in hilly areas of the country. Naidu stated that under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, several airports from Jammu and Kashmir to Arunachal Pradesh are being built. 'We already have a plan for the expansion of heliports in hilly states. Under our Regional Connectivity Scheme, several airports from J&K to Arunachal Pradesh are being built', Ram Mohan Naidu told reporters in Dehradun. The Union Minister stated that there are 18 heliports in Uttarakhand, and as far as safety is concerned, the weather conditions and geographical terrains pose difficulties in the operations of helicopters. (ANI)
